3Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort? 4Have you suffered so much for nothing—if it really was for nothing? 5Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe what you heard?

– Galatians 3:3-5 NIV

Paul challenged the Galatians with these questions in relation to obeying the Law. Before his conversion to the Christian faith, he was a loyal and strict Jew – a legalist. On the following verses, he stressed out that we could not reach God by obeying the Law. He was pointing out that it is not because of the Law-observance that they received miracles. It was and it is by faith in Christ.

We received salvation not because of our own effort, not because of doing good deeds, but because of the unconditional love of God.

8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God

Great is the love of God that He gave his one and only Son with no strings attached. He did not require us to carry physical crosses on Holy Week. He did not even tell us to hurt ourselves and offer needless sacrifices. In fact, Jesus offered rest for our souls.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28

During Jesus’ time, the Law was a burden to people and what they need is freedom from the burden of this load – a load that hindered them from knowing and reaching God.

i’ve seen a lot of Christian churches today that still put a heavy burden on its members.

Don’t cut your hair.

Don’t wear jeans.

Don’t eat this.

Don’t eat that.

They are obsessed with legalism. Did Jesus teach these things? No! It is only being imposed by religion – by an institution that place a heavy burden on people.

God loves us unconditionally and He doesn’t require anything to make Him love us more. He places no burden on us. The truth is , He gives rest for our souls. =)

It was the year 1985 when a group led by Eduardo Lapiz started a small Bible Study group in a country in West Asia. The group was later called the “Wednesday Group” as they were meeting on Wednesday.

In 1987, the name “Day by Day” was agreed to be the new name of the church for its meaning, repetitive poetic sound, strong consonants, and impact.

1989 was the year when Pastor Ed went back in the Philippines for threats of arrest and imprisonment due to religious work in that country. From 1989, more local churches has been planted all over the Philippines, USA, Japan, Canada, Pakistan and other West Asian Countries. For a detailed church history (the first five years), you may visit Day by Day New Jersey’s website.

I thank God for the pioneering works in West Asia. Without those people, I might not call myself a “Christian” today. Based on their stories, they had a hard time sharing and talking about Jesus there. Praise God because we can worship in this country freely. I know that their labor is not in vain. I thank Pastor Ed for his commitment, for his heart. I am a product of his ministration and is blessed by his messages. That’s the reason why I’m sharing the messages here.

If I can get a copy of the church History video, I’ll share it here next week. Happy Anniversary everyone!

New Job: I’ve been with OSM Maritime Services for one week now. Thanks to all the people behind this move especially Noli Mora, Mark Sumanting and Mariano Banguit III.

So what else is new?

God’s loyal and merciful love, His faithfulness, His goodness – They are new every morning!

Lamentations 3:22-24 (The Message)

God’s loyal love couldn’t have run out,
his merciful love couldn’t have dried up.
They’re created new every morning.
How great your faithfulness!
I’m sticking with God (I say it over and over).
He’s all I’ve got left.

New Job: I’ve been with OSM Maritime Services for one week now. Thanks to all the people behind this move especially Noli Mora, Mark Sumanting and Mariano Banguit III.

So what else is new?

God’s loyal and merciful love, His faithfulness, His goodness – They are new every morning!

Lamentations 3:22-24 (The Message)

God’s loyal love couldn’t have run out,
his merciful love couldn’t have dried up.
They’re created new every morning.
How great your faithfulness!
I’m sticking with God (I say it over and over).
He’s all I’ve got left.